Disclaimer: I don't own any character you might recognize.
Kodachi walked through Knockturn alley in a daze, her wand was securely tucked into an adjustable wandholder strapped onto her left forearm that she'd bought from Lulu. She didn't know what to think about the revelations that Lulu had laid upon her. She thought she knew what her ancestors were. Like any good Japanese lady of high society she could trace her roots back to the very founding of Japan but she had never thought that, like the emperor she herself might be descended from divinity. It was enough to make her head spin.
Kodachi was jolted out of her daze when her nose was introduced to a rather quiet brick wall. Blinking she gently rubbed her nose and tried to determine where she was.
She was standing in front of a row of shops, on her left was a regal looking bookstore the kind you might find a Chinese copy of 'The art of War' next to Japanese copy of 'The five rings' underneath "Shakespeare's complete works.' In the middle was a store whose sign proudly proclaimed it as 'Kazak's Klothing" All sorts of clothing was proudly displayed in the window, including what looked like a very nice Kimono sporting a black rose motif. Kodachi made a note to inquire about it later. Finally on the right what she assumed was a pet-shop simply titled "Mike's Menagerie".
Kodachi slowly entered the pet-shop, she might not admit it but she was missing her precious Mr. Turtle. Perhaps she should acquire a new pet until she could arrange for her beloved Mr. Turtle to be transported somewhere closer to her. The interior of the store turned out to be much larger than the outside had suggested, leaving Kodachi to wander down isles lined with cages and tanks full of creature. She passed aquariums crawling with large spiders, past tanks of sleeping fish with mouths of razor sharp teeth. She paused for a moment next to a tank displaying a rather large boa constrictor before moving on. She might like snakes but she wasn't going to acquire a pet that made her seem like some exotic dancer wannabe. Kodachi was distracted by a glimmer of reflected light coming from the back of the store.
As Kodachi moved deeper into the store the creatures surrounding her became more and more unusual. When she reached the source of the glimmering light she was discovered a single egg laying on a bed of sand. It's shell was a gleaming iridescent blue that seemed to shift and swirl in hypnotic patterns Entranced she gently brushed her fingers over the egg, reveling in the smoothness and warmth of the shell. So entranced was she that at first she didn't notice the small shakes and chirping from the inside of the shell. She stared fascinated as the first crack appeared in the shell, what kind of magnificent creature would hatch from such a wondrous egg.
After the first crack, another began and another. Soon the egg was a spider web of tiny cracks, she could hear the baby creature pushing it's way out of the egg, trying to escape. Soon a small claw managed to pook through, bringing life giving air to the inside of the egg. Seemingly embolden by this small success first one and then another three clawed tiny leg poked it's way out of the shell. Kodachi watched fascinated as a large piece of shell was pushed aside and a tiny head poked through. Dimly she heard a gasp from behind her but her entire being was focused on that tiny head and serpentine body unfolding itself from the shell. She gently trailed her finger down the creature's body, amazed at the warm smoothness of it's fine diamond blue scales. She gazed into it's deep blue eyes and had a feeling of something monumental taking place.
"Well, looks like you found yourself a friend for life." Somebody said from behind Kodachi.
It spoke well to her character that she didn't jump at the sudden voice, she did however spin around, her wand sliding smoothly into her left hand while a gymnastic club slid into her right. An elderly Chinese gentleman in Ming dynasty formal court robes smiled gently at her.
Kodachi smoothly returned both weapons with a casual motion.
"Martial Arts Rhythmic Gymnastics, I haven't seen that style in quite some time. Although your form seems more suited for someone older and taller, tell me child who are you?"
"Hajimemashite Hecate Kuno Kodachi desu doozo yoroshiku.(1)" Kodachi bowed to the elderly man as was proper.
"Most call me Seifu(2) it is a pleasure to meet such a polite young lady. The creature that just hatched tends to make friends for life. It was part of a shipment that arrived in most unusual circumstances."
Kodachi turned back to look at the baby creature only to realize that while her attention had been focused on the shop owner the creature had taken the opportunity to coil around her arm. So light and smooth was the animal that Kodachi hadn't even noticed. Smiling slightly she gently scratched the cute little thing around it's eye ridges.
"Dra?" It squeaked blinking one deep azure eye at Kodachi.
"Yes little one, now what shall I call you?"
Seifu double blinked at the pair, it almost seemed like Kodachi could understand the little creature.
"Excuse me, but can you understand it?"
Kodachi turned her attention away from the very cute creature who was now sliding up her arm to coil around her neck like a living necklace. She almost purred at the sensation.
"Her, Chibi-Usa is female. She takes great exception to being called an it. Since it appears that I will be taking care of her for a long time, what shall I need to feed her?"
The old man turned slightly to pick up a small tin of and passed it to Kodachi. She glanced down at the label and found it wasn't in English or Japanese. The lettering seemed to be Arabic, there was no picture accompanying the label so Kodachi glanced back at the old man.
"Food for her, the can has a refilling charm placed on it, also you might try various human foods. I think she's carnivorous but my knowledge of her species is limited."
"Thank you Seifu-Domo."
Kodachi ticked several items off her book list after exiting the book store, only the collected works of this Gilderoy Lockhart character were missing. When she had mentioned this to the shops owner had stated that Gilderoy Lockharts works would never befoul his dignified shelves. She would have to get his books in Diagon Alley itself.
Kodachi sighed and glanced down at her watch, how long was it going to take Hagrid to get his slug-bait? Still while she had the time she might as well examine this clothing shop.
Like much of the stores in Knockturn Alley 'Kazak's Klothing' was larger on the inside than it should be. It was also very tastefully decorated in soothing colors with dim lights. The spider motif on many of the assorted clothes was a bit odd but Kodachi found it intriguing. Not spotting an assistant Kodachi approached the front desk and rang the bell sitting there.
"Can I help you?" Kodachi was becoming irritated, this was the third person today to sneak up on her. Still she mused as she turned to face the shopkeeper, she did have five more years to hone her skills.
"Yes, I need a set of Hogwarts robes please." She requested of the shops owner. The white hair contrasted with her black skin but was offset by her purple eyes. Chibi-Usa stirred in her sleep and Kodachi absently stroked her familiar with gentle fingers.
"Not many students come in here miss, I'll see what I have on hand, please come this way."
Kodachi spent the next twenty minutes or so being measured and exchanging pleasantries with the woman. By the time she was done Kodachi had learned that 'exotic' clothing was a specialty of the store, carrying everything from traditional kimonos, and formal court attire of the Maha-Raja's of the 11th century Chinese court tangs. She'd also placed an order for the black rose motif Kimono in her size. The clerk, whose name Kodachi was shamed to admit she could not pronounce, assured her it would be finished and delivered by Christmas. When she asked why it would take so long the clerk replied that the kimono was made out of a special spider silk that wouldn't be in for awhile.
Kodachi still had to obtain several smaller items and was contemplating where to get when Hagrid finally showed up.
"Did you find your slug-bait Hagrid-san?" Kodachi asked, not seeing him carrying anything.
"Err.. No I'll have ter come back later." Hagrid checked his young charge, trying to make sure nothing untoward had happened to her. He was intrigued by Kodachi' new familiar.
"Err, what'cha got there?" he mumbled indicating Chibi-Usa.
Out of reflex Kodachi gently ran her hand over the silky smooth body causing Chibi-usa to stir and raise her head to stare in Hagrid's eyes.
'Dra?" She inquired sleepily. Then she sneezed, for a normal creature this was of no consequence, for a Dratini it means a small gout of fame being expelled from her nostrils. Of course it was just bad luck that Hagrid was standing right where he could get singed by the flames.
Strangely he seemed pleased by the accidental singeing.
"Ohh, ain't she just a beauty." Hagrid cooed gently stroking her soft scales with his huge fingers. "where did yer git her Kodachi?"
"An most interesting tale Hagrid-San but we need to finish getting my supplies. Flourish and Blotts should have the rest of the books I need."
As they exited Knockturn alley Kodachi again mused on the face the place presented to the wizarding world, it was she realized a mask. Hiding your true self behind a hideous mask to prevent unwanted attention was an old trick but it was very effective.
Hagrid and Kodachi stopped outside Flourish and Blotts, both were amazed at the crowd for different reasons. Hagrid because he hadn't seen something like this for a long time. Kodachi was simply shocked that there was anything in this place people considered worth getting excited about.
There shock turned to confusion when they noticed the commotion inside of the store. Kodachi couldn't see much because of her small size but evidently Hagrid did because he stormed into the bookstore with Kodachi following him on his heels.
Inside two men were fighting, one with platinum blond locks and what Kodachi assumed was expensive clothing. The other bore thinning red hair and looked like an underpaid overworked civil servant to Kodachi's eyes.
Crowded around the two men was a large group of assorted people. Kodachi noted what could only me the rich man's son, going by hair and eye color. The two were completely outnumbered by the small army of red haired children that Kodachi assumed was the family of the civil servant. The blond haired said man said something Kodachi couldn't make out before thrusting a book towards someone Kodachi couldn't see from her vantage before storming out of the store.
"Yeh should've ignored him, Arthur," Hagrid said as he helped the red haired man up. "Rotten ter the core, the whole family, everyone knows that. No Malfoy's worth listenin' ter. Bad blood, that's what it is. Come on now lest get outta here."
Kodachi watched in disbelief as the giant man escorted the red haired man outside. It seems that he had forgotten all about her, Kodachi felt a small pain in her heart, in what was becoming a comforting gesture, she softly stroked Chibi-Usa's small scales.
Still if she was here then she might as well pick up the books and things she needed, it did not behoove a daughter of the Hecate clan to fall apart when faced with disappointment.
Kodachi stepped out of Flourish and Blotts in a foul mood, Lockhart had been added to her 'make their life a living hell' list, it currently contained two people plus Lockhart. She really didn't like her family. The rest of her equipment could be obtained tomorrow, she wanted a bed, bath and meal hopefully in clean accommodations.
It did appear that her only options at this time was the run down "Leaky Cauldron" Kodachi just hoped that the name didn't refer to the state of their facilities.
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Kodachi stepped through the barrier separating platform nine and three quarters from the muggle world. She had been busy in the days leading up to September 1st, she had aquatinted her self with what parts of London she could. She had taken many trips into Knockturn alley to either talk with Lulu or just wander in this world hidden even from the hidden world.
Kodachi easily placed her luggage on the train, having discovered a store that would enchant her luggage for a reasonable price was something of a relief to her.
She smiled as she stretched her sore muscles, not yet used to the activates she demanded from her body. Sei-Fu had been correct when he noticed that her movements were keyed for her previous body and needed to be retrained. Her grin grew a touch bigger as she felt the familiar and welcome tightness of the leotard she wore underneath her clothes. Finding new ones to replace her old ones had been child's play in and of itself. A quick trip through the yellow pages had netted a dozen stores that sold the goods she needed. She had even managed to acquire most of the regular tools of Rhythmic Gymnastics.
With a sigh she slid down in a seat, she still had half an hour before the train departed, it would be best if she prepared herself for the journey. Chibi-Usa was in her usual place coiled around her neck in a kind of living necklace. She stared out the window in a pensive silence. She didn't know if coming to England was a wise idea, so far everything had fallen well below her expectations. Perhaps things would change once she got to Hogwarts and finally managed to open the mysterious letter she carried, it had been very vexing in that none of her attempts to discern the contents had borne fruit.
Kodachi watched mutely as people began to fill the station, she watched in silence as fathers said goodbye to daughters, mothers hugged sons, and brother and sister were separated. She pondered what her life would be like if she was one of those people out there but didn't give any credit to it, thinking such things would never make them reality.
Time ticked by and Kodachi watched as the platform began to empty as students boarded the train and families departed. At two minutes to eleven Kodachi watched as a large gathering of red heads rushed through the barrier, there seemed to be some commotion as the group of late students and parents rushed through the required rituals. The train's whistle blew and the gaggle of red haired children rushed onto the train. Kodachi figured they were the same as the ones she'd seen at the book store earlier.
Kodachi watched amused as the large family scrambled to put their belongings on the train and say goodbye as quickly as they could. Soon, too soon it appeared to the family, the train's whistle blew and it started to move. Soon the train was speeding away from London and Kodachi settled in to enjoy, or attempt to, the English countryside. It wasn't common knowledge but Kodachi loved trains, not the modern bullet or electrical speed demons common in Japan but the slower old trains that were often used by tour groups. It was a vice that she couldn't often indulge in but it had given her the opportunity to escape Nerima in the summer.
Kodachi was contemplating letting the rhythm of the train's ride lull her into sleep when she was pulled out of her thoughts by a voice.
"Mind if I sit here? Everywhere else is full." Kodachi looked at the figure in the doorway and almost cried out in surprise, instead she mutely nodded. The red-haired, blue eyed young girl smiled in gratitude, nearly stopping Kodachi's heart. The girl sat across from Kodachi and squirmed a bit under Kodachi's intense scrutiny. Kodachi noticed and managed to grab a hold of herself.
"Forgive me, you strongly remind me of someone I used to know."
The girl accepted Kodachi's apology and settled down.
"My name's Ginny Weasley, what's yours?" Ginny asked with a shy smile, she didn't know why but this other girl her age just felt so intense for lack of a better term.
"Kodachi Hecate." Kodachi replied, remembering to say her given name first.
The two began, hesitant at first then becoming easier as time went on, to talk with each other. Ginny found Kodachi's description of Japan enthralling and regaled her with descriptions of the mad house that was her family. However all good things must come to an end, in this particular instance it was an interruption by a certain blond haired twelve year old.
"Well well if it isn't the littlest weasel, where's your boyfriend scar face."
Ginny and Kodachi glared at the smirking figure in the doorway. Ginny in anger at the insult to her family and the famous Harry Potter, Kodachi was irritated by this figures attempt at low brow bulling. Kodachi it should be noted had a real dislike for bullies.
If one looked really closely you might be able to see the faintest wisps of Kodachi's battle aura beginning to manifest, while not as strong as say Ranma's or even Akane's it was still a battle aura. Things did not look good for Mister Malfoy.
(1)- This basically means "Hello my name is Hecate Kuno Kodachi, nice to meet you, how are you?
I'm having Kodachi give her name in three parts composed of clan/family/person because it just seems cool. You'll note that later she introduces her self to Ginny as Kodachi Hecate. There is a reason for this and will be shown in the next chapter.
(2) This is supposed to be the Chinese word for 'teacher' sorry if it's misspelled. I couldn't find the proper spelling of the word.
Please note that Chibi-Usa is Kodachi new pet, and also a Dratini from the pokemon world. Why? I don't like snakes.
Authors Notes: Ran into a brick wall labeled 'Writers Block' I thought I'd post this now and hope that reviews would get me through it.
Questions and comments can be directed to big_scary_guy@hotmail.com